Civil Beat has asked candidates for the Hawaiʻi General Election on Nov. 3 to answer a survey about where they stand on various issues and what their priorities will be if elected.

The following comes from John Mattos, nonpartisan candidate for Kauaʻi County Council.

His opponents are Paul Noboru Applegate, Addison Bulosan, Trysten Fernandes Caberto, Mike Coots, Michelle Kaleiohi Correa, Billy DeCosta, Jeremy Haupt, Fern Ānuenue Holland, Keola Kaiminaauao, Arryl Kaneshiro, James Langtad, Thomas Lindsay Jr., Umi Martin, John Montemayor, Nelson Mukai, Yelena Okhman, Todd Ozaki, Michael Poai, Cheree Rapozo, Rachel M. Secretario, Taylor H. Shigemoto, Dane Smith, James Trujillo and Herman K. Wilson and Skyler Workman.

Go to Civil Beat’s 2026 Elections Guide for general information, and check out the other candidates on Civil Beatʻs 2026 Hawaiʻi Primary Ballot.

Why are you best suited for the job of council member, and why do you want the job?

I do not consider myself the “best” and I did not want the job, I made the decision because I, along with a vast number of Kauaʻi residents, are fed up with our extremely biased career politicians. I do not like the direction of our ever-growing local government where there are numerous promises, constant apologies, conflicts of interest, numerous county settlements, I can go on. I am confident I can bring fresh new bold solutions and positive, constructive criticisms to Kauaʻi.

What is the biggest issue facing Kaua‘i County, and what is the first thing you would do to address it in the first six months after being elected?

In my first year if elected, being new and not a politician I have committed publicly that I will return half of whatever a council member’s wage is to the Kauaʻi community whether it be through a local nonprofit, church, etc. (In the first six months) I would challenge the other six council members to match my pledge. I will suggest we add those pledged funds to use to start a perpetual budget for the county to acquire revenue-generating assets which can be run by communities.

Here’s one question from a constituent: How are we going to deal with wild cat colonies?

Touchy subject. My honest answer is that what the humane society on Kauaʻi is already doing is great, but I feel we need to stop releasing the spayed or neutered feral cats back into communities, leash laws for pet cats, possible consequences for feeding feral colonies in county spaces.

There are nearly 14,000 cesspools on Kaua‘i that must be removed by 2050. With an average cost of $15,000 to $30,000 to convert to septic, how can the county help jumpstart cesspool replacements?

Kauaʻi County can start using, upgrading, promoting, marketing and importantly collaborating with the local businesses/entrepreneurs. For example; the Kekaha neighborhood center property at the Kōkeʻe Road intersection can be upgraded to lease sections for popup businesses. Whatever monies generated from the lease agreements and or fees would stay in that community to offset costs.

The median price for a single-family home on Kaua‘i has topped $1 million. What would you do to address the shortage of affordable housing?

Back to the first rule of economics – scarcity. We live on islands and the fact is there will always be unlimited human wants for the limited amount of housing. Mentality and mindset needs to be changed. Instead of being told by politicians, celebrities, news media, just about everywhere, we hear that “we are being priced out of Paradise.” Financial literacy helped me buy my second home. I learned myself from Google. I’m still learning. I refuse to be priced out.

Kaua‘i’s landfill in Kekaha will soon run out of capacity. What should the county council do to address what could become a garbage crisis for the island?

Immediately start investing and collaborating with Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and the Mahipapa biomass plant that converts waste to energy which is for sale now. Buy it as a possible municipal cooperative and seek federal funding. Also expand recycling infrastructure.

In recent years, Kaua‘i restructured property tax rates to widen the gap between rates for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied property (i.e. vacation rentals, second homes) and dedicate a larger portion of those revenues to creating housing for residents. Do you support that move? Why or why not?

I support what was done so far but we can not keep just raising taxes. Again look at revenue-generating assets. Kekaha has two transient vacation rentals for sale on the beachfront right now. The county can buy it and rent it out and funds generated from that will go to community housing needs. The community can have quarterly community meetings for how they would like to use the money. All communities should be involved in ideas to help county acquire revenue-generating assets.

What would you do to encourage more local food production on Kaua‘i, balancing the needs and challenges of both small and large farmers?

West Kauaʻi ADC lands, Ranching and farming cooperatives, incentives for keeping island-raised livestock on Kauaʻi first, a processing plant, reefer storage, community-use certified kitchens and help the ranchers and farmers do their thing.

What is your assessment of programs combating invasive species on Kaua‘i and what other measures would you advocate for in office?

I feel we do a lot in combating invasives, I would support the ongoing momentum within the present council.

All of Hawai‘i has experienced damaging and dangerous weather events that have exposed weaknesses in our planning, preparation and response. Is Kaua‘i sufficiently prepared for the next Hurricane Iniki or Kona low system? Why or why not? What additional steps should the county take?

Immediately start communication with private land owners for no liability land access to old plantation roads where feasible, to mitigate the island’s traffic for whatever natural disasters or other threatening hazards. Also upgrade and seek outside investment sources to modernize/accommodate evacuation/disaster shelters. Most communities have plans so reach out during quarterly community meetings for any additional support needed to assist in those plans.

What should Kaua‘i County do to get in front of climate change rather than just reacting and adapting to it?

Kaua’i Climate Adaptation and Action Plan (KCAAP) has already been finalized by the current administration. If people have concerns or suggestions, I would like to hear them at our Kauaʻi quarterly community meetings if elected.

What would you do to ensure transparency and accountability in county government?

Obey the Hawaiʻi Sunshine Law (Part I of Chapter 92, HRS) requires that the discussions, deliberations, decisions, and actions of all state and county government boards be conducted openly with public notice and participation. It mandates open meetings, public testimony opportunities and accessible records for any gathering where a quorum of members discusses official board business. Make public those who do not comply.